Boeing has taken decisive action to replace the head of its 737 MAX programme, Ed Clark, following a concerning cabin panel blowout that has heightened the company's efforts to restore its reputation. Clark, who also served as the general manager of Boeing's Renton, Washington plant, is stepping down immediately, as reported in an internal memo, with the information first disclosed by the Seattle Times.
The aerospace giant has been working tirelessly to reassure regulators, airlines and passengers after a recent incident forced a brand-new 737 MAX 9 jet into an emergency landing. The alarming event occurred during an Alaska Airlines flight, resulting in the grounding of 171 MAX 9 jets for several weeks. This incident represents Boeing's most significant safety crisis since the tragic crashes of its MAX 8 jets in 2018 and 2019, claiming the lives of 346 people.
Katie Ringgold, currently the Vice-President of 737 delivery operations, will assume the role of the ousted programme chief. Additionally, Boeing has established a new position, appointing Elizabeth Lund as the Senior Vice-President for quality in its commercial airplanes business.
The decision to make these changes follows an initial report by the U.S. safety regulator, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which revealed that the Alaska jet's cabin panel was missing four crucial bolts. The NTSB pointed out that the absent bolts, meant to secure the door plug in place, played a role in the emergency situation.
Stan Deal, head of Boeing's commercial airplanes division, emphasised in a message to employees that these changes reflect the company's “enhanced focus on ensuring that every airplane we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements. Our customers demand and deserve, nothing less.”
